What is Dysmenorrhea, and How to Manage it Naturally

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What is dysmenorrhea? Dysmenorrhea is classified as primary or essential when it appears without any apparent cause and a known process causes secondary dysmenorrhea. The latter usually occurs in a woman who has had regular periods for a longer or shorter period.

What is Dysmenorrhea: Primary

Primary or essential dysmenorrhea is characterized by pelvic pain during the menstrual period. This pain radiates to the lumbar and perineal region or the abdomen. It may be associated with headaches, nausea, vomiting, and general weakness; the woman may even be compelled to interrupt her usual activities. The pain, more intense on the day before and the first day of the period, starts decreasing as the period advances.

In general, an ultrasound and a vaginal or rectal examination may find a normal uterus or an underdeveloped uterus strongly bent either backward or frontward.

What is Dysmenorrhea: Secondary

Secondary dysmenorrhea may be triggered by specific lesions of the uterus (synechias, fibroids, polyps, etc.), the adnexa (surrounding organs; salpingitis, oophoritis, or ovaritis, etc.), or peritoneal lesions (endometriosis). A triggering psychological cause (professional or family problems) may also be possible.

Dysmenorrhea Treatment

According to the necessary contraception requirements, the previously used antispasmodic medication has been advantageously replaced by antiprostaglandins, progesterone, and possibly estroprogestative. Although acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) has some degree of anticoagulant effect, it does not seem to present any risks when used to calm menstrual pain. However, it is much better to see the doctor before using any painkiller.

Evening primrose oil or cowslip (Oenothera biennis L.) is a natural product that is practically devoid of complications. It has been widely researched and is an effective tool against any female pelvic pain.

Natural Treatment For Primary Dysmenorrhea

Naturally, before resorting to pharmaceutical drugs, it is better to try correcting dysmenorrhea by natural means, whose effectiveness has been thoroughly proven in most cases. A simple hot water bottle on the abdomen or the sacral area is sufficient to alleviate many women’s pain.

Hydrotherapy offers efficient resources against dysmenorrhea:

1. Full lukewarm baths: They are excellent for muscular relaxation. Bath salts or medicinal plants may be added to the bathwater.
2. Cold sitz baths: On non-period days, take a cold sitz bath, massaging the lower abdomen in clockwise circles with a sponge or towel every day for five to ten minutes. Avoid getting cold, particularly on the feet, which must be duly protected with socks. After the bath, rub the lower abdomen with a soft cotton towel to make it warm. Five days before the period, replace this cold bath with a lukewarm one.

Thalassotherapy and geotherapy: Good results may be obtained with saltwater compresses or clay poultices applied on the lower abdomen outside the days of the period.

Heliotherapy: Whenever possible, expose the lower abdomen to the sun, but never for more than half an hour twice a day, and only for a few minutes.

Phytotherapy: Several medicinal plants provide relief from menstrual pain. Several proven preparations are also sold commercially. One of these contains equal amounts of mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris L.), shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursapastoris Moench.), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.). Pour boiling water over three of four tablespoons of the mixture. Cool and take one cup every hour when the pain is the strongest.

Dietotherapy: Women who suffer from dysmenorrhea must eat wholemeal cereals (wheat, oats, and maize in particular), oily nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts), and especially a lot of fruit and vegetables – fresh ones whenever possible. Dates and pollen are essential supplements.

A healthy lifestyle is generally recommended: adequate physical exercise, moderate work, a balanced diet, and no toxic substances (smoking, alcohol, coffee, tea, etc.).

Natural Treatment for Secondary Dysmenorrhea

A reliable medical diagnosis must determine the causes of secondary dysmenorrhea. Depending on the triggering factor and the lesion, the specialist will prescribe medical, surgical, or psychotherapy treatment.

Dysmenorrhea Exercises

Repeat all the following exercises 20 times, at least four times a week. In the beginning, they can be started with 5-10 repetitions and then increased progressively.

1. Flapping: Make flapping movements as wide as possible with the knees, keeping your feet as close to the body as possible. Breathing should be natural and not forced at any time. This exercise stimulates pelvic blood circulation.
2. Pelvic bending: With back parallel to the floor, breathe in. Lower the hip and push the body forward while bending the arms when you breathe in. This exercise tones the abdominal muscles, develops pelvic mobility, strengthens the spine, and alleviates backache.
3. Knee grips: Hold and let go of each knee, flexing the leg. This strengthens the dorsal muscles and alleviates their pain. It also helps eliminate intestinal gasses and fight constipation.
4. Laterals: Bend your legs together, pressing your back to the floor. Try touching the adjacent side with the other knee, remembering to pass through the central position. This maneuver improves the circulation of the pelvic area and the muscle tone of the abdomen and back.
5. Pelvic thrusts: While breathing in, lift the hips and body without lifting the shoulders from the floor and using the feet for support. Breathe out, returning slowly to the initial position. This exercise alleviates pelvic congestion and backache thanks to its toning and relaxing effect.
6. Pelvic pressure: Thrust the hips forward and keep them like that for a few seconds. The pelvis, muscles, abdomen, and thorax should be noted to be in tension. This exercise helps to alleviate pelvic congestion.
7. Submission: Be well relaxed, with deep, slow breathing. This exercise may be carried out between the previous ones, allowing time to recover in case of tiredness. It relaxes the dorsal muscles and fights constipation.
8. Leg bends: Leg bends and straightening up may be carried out leaning against a piece of furniture. They must be carried out with rhythm and energetically. This exercise helps to activate circulation and also aids in the strengthening of the perineum.

DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.

REFERENCES

1. Isidro Aguilar, Doctor in Medicine and Surgery. “Encyclopedia of Health and Education for the Family.” Herminia Galbes, Doctor in Medicine and Surgery. Vols. 1: 129, 130, 131, 132 Print. [what is dysmenorrhea]
2. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/dysmenorrhea-painful-periods
3. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menstrual-cramps/symptoms-causes/syc-20374938